For a tree to bear fruit, two things are required for it's growth. water and light.
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All the leaves and various branches tend to grow in the direction where the light is shining, while tree roots are expected to grow downwards towards where the water is flowing. This just a normal process for the growth of all plants, they are all depended on one another. but even though they all need each other, one is still more important, which is the roots. Without the plant roots, there will no branches, leaves, fruit, and no tree in general. The root is like the pillar of the plants, it is where the plants gets nutrients to keep growing.
In life, our parents are our roots, that have held us when were just a child till we grew. Your wife and children are just the leaves and branches in our tree. no matter what happens, we must not neglect the our roots which is our parents, because they were the one that held and sustained us when we were nothing.
Sometimes, it is easy to just neglect the root, because were the fruits comes from are the leaves and branches. But you quickly forgot that without the roots, there will be no leaves and branches to produce these fruits. The nourishment and nutrients came from the roots, without it bearing fruit is impossible.
Whenever you are not making progress in life, you might want to go back and fast check your roots if something is wrong there. Things might be moving well with you because you have started ignoring your parents. You might have ignored your parents and no longer have time for them because of you are now focusing on your wife and children. And because of this your branches and leaves which are your wife and children, are not receiving the required amount of spiritual nourishment to prosper in life.
Always remember your parents. Water your root which is your parents, and your children and spouse will be able to stand strong to receive light to shine in life.